An Incredible Example of Pastoral Care…

1 And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ASV)

Thus he discoursed gravely and paternally; in default of examples, he invented parables, going directly to the point, with few phrases and many images, which characteristic formed the real eloquence of Jesus Christ. And being convinced himself, he was persuasive. (1)

It will be perceived that he had a peculiar manner of his own of judging things: I suspect that he obtained it from the Gospel. (2)

I think I read Les Miserables in high school, if I did, I certainly didn’t get it.

I am reading it again, and the character of the Bishop is mind-blowing, if only because somehow, Victor Hugo understood what a pastor should be. A man who lived far simply that his state allowed (he lived on 1/15th of his salary- using the rest to minister to others) , who gave up the home built for the Bishop to live in, that a hospital could be built.

A fictional character perhaps – but who is it based on? Who would be so centered in the gospel, whose eloquence would so reveal Christ? Who is the unknown model for Hugo’s pen?

Who would be such a man? Does such a leader exist for the church today? Is there any that, while humble of voice, is one who reveals Christ because he is convinced is persuasive himself? Is there someone who judges things based on the gospel?

I pray that such are raised up… that we encourage their development – the character of Christ encouraged far more than even their knowledge or practice.

Who know little, or count any knowledge as little, save that of knowing Christ, and the power of the cross and the resurrection.

May the Lord have mercy by providing such…and may we rejoice in such men.

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About justifiedandsinner

I am a pastor of a Concordia Lutheran Church in Cerritos, California, where we rejoice in God's saving us from our sin, and the unrighteousness of the world. It is all about His work, the gift of salvation given to all who trust in Jesus Christ, and what He has done that is revealed in Scripture. God deserves all the glory, honor and praise, for He has rescued and redeemed His people.